34 Surprising Recipes For Using Up Watermelon (2024)

OK, OK, technically this isn't a sippable co*cktail—it's even better: We soak watermelon slices with all the ingredients of a margarita (tequila, lime juice, triple sec) for the perfect perfect BBQ drink and snack. Save the leftover liquid from soaking for frozen watermelon margaritas.

Get the Margarita Watermelon recipe.

Part watermelon juice, part limeade, and 100% refreshing, watermelon agua fresca just might be the drink of the summer. It's slightly sweet, making it a perfect daytime treat or as a mocktail option at a dinner party. (Of course, you could stir in a shot of tequila or vodka if you want it boozy.)

Get the Watermelon Agua Fresca recipe.

This salad has that sweet and salty balance we crave in a salad. This just might be the perfect summer side dish to go along with grilled chicken, grilled steak, or even a hamburger—beef, chicken, or veggie!

Get the Watermelon Feta Salad recipe.

Newsflash: This might be the most refreshing margarita you'll ever drink. Frozen watermelon cubes make this delightfully slushy, but if you forget to freeze them overnight, don't fret! Two hours in the freezer will do the trick.

Get the Frozen Watermelon Margaritas recipe.

If summer had a flavor, it might taste a lot like this soup. Though we'll always love a classic, tomato-based gazpacho, the addition of watermelon gives the soup a delicious subtle sweetness we can't get enough of.

Get the Watermelon Gazpacho recipe.

When the temperature rises, there's something so satisfying about a spiked lemonade. This version is big on watermelon, our favorite thirst-quenching summer fruit. If you're short on lemons, or want to mix it up, lime juice would also be delicious.

Get the Spiked Watermelon Lemonade recipe.

Making fruit leather at home is surprisingly easy. All you need is a blender, a little extra sugar, and a bit of patience—it'll take at least 3 hours (in a very low oven) until it's all dried out and ready to roll. (If you like this recipe, you need to try our rainbow fruit roll-ups, too!)

Get the Watermelon Fruit Roll-Ups recipe.

There's really nothing like a crisp and spicy, ginger-lime Moscow mule. What's even more refreshing? The frozen watermelon cubes make this drink super slushy and the copper mugs gives the chilled drink an extra-cool sensation.

Get the Frozen Watermelon Mules recipe.

Just like pickled carrots or pickled red onions, pickled watermelon rind is a delicious, crunchy addition to top salads, fried rice, a sandwich, or be enjoyed on its own. This recipe has a sweet soy pickling liquid, but don't let this stop you from experimenting with other brines—you can use any pickle brine recipe on this overlooked part of the watermelon

Get the Pickled Watermelon Rind recipe.

By mixing coconut oil into melted chocolate, you're basically making a magic shell with the perfect crackly texture for your watermelon. It's not a totally necessary step, but it does help the chocolate harden—meaning the dipped watermelon is ready to eat pretty much immediately.

Get the Chocolate Covered Watermelon recipe.

This stupid-easy recipe requires zero ice. Frozen watermelon cubes do the job on their own. Double down on the watermelon by swapping in watermelon rum!

Get the Watermelon Daiquiri recipe.

This is one of our most most creamiest, most refreshing rum co*cktails ever, thanks to lime juice and coconut milk. The best part? Halved mini watermelons are the perfect serving size for this amazing co*cktail!

Get the Boozy Watermelon Slushie recipe.

If you're in a rush, you can skip freezing the watermelon. But whatever you do, don't skip through the 1 hour soaking time — you want that booze, don't you!?

Get the Mojito Watermelon Pops recipe.

Mix up this riff on your favorite tropical piña colada. We combined the classic mix of pineapple and white rum with watermelon to really bring the tropics home. Pro tip: Blend up frozen watermelon instead of ice to get an even smoother co*cktail.

Get the Watermelon Piña Coladas recipe.